My favorite brand of minicar is TOMICA.
TOMY / TAKARA TOMY is the manufacturer / parent company of various minicar "brands" including:
TOMICA
TOMICA LIMITED
TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE
TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE-NEO
CHORO-Q
TOMYTEC
I've included an entire series of pages dedicated just to these product lines...
TOMY / TAKARA TOMY is the manufacturer / parent company of various minicar "brands" including:
TOMICA
TOMICA LIMITED
TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE
TOMICA LIMITED VINTAGE-NEO
CHORO-Q
TOMYTEC
I've included an entire series of pages dedicated just to these product lines...
The following is taken from the English pages of the TAKARATOMY Tomica Products website.
WHAT'S TOMICA?
Tomica. Little vehicles carrying big dreams.
"The Mission: Japanese Diecast Mini-cars for Japanese Children."
The Tomica story starts back in 1970, when model cars mainly referred to imported 1/64 scale models of foreign cars or larger 1/43 scale models of Japanese cars for collectors. It was then that Tomica's founders embarked on their mission to give the children of Japan small diecast cars based on the vehicles produced by Japan's own automobile makers. Tomica products were refreshingly different: modeled on made-in-Japan vehicles, they came in sizes that fit easily in the palm of a child's hand. Diecast bodies gave them an authentic feel, and they were painted using the same baked enamel finish used on real automobiles. With these features, plus extras such as precision suspension and ultra-smooth performance, all at a very reasonable price, Tomica's popularity grew rapidly. Today, around four in every five Japanese children under the age of eight own at least one Tomica product. Times have changed since the birth of Tomica, but the childhood love of vehicles has endured, and Tomica has grown into a long-selling brand enjoyed by children and parents across three generations. These days, there are 140 models in the Tomica diecast lineup at any one time. The lineup is continually being refreshed with the release of a new model on the third Saturday of each month.
Tomica by the Numbers
How many models have been sold since Tomica was launched?
• Number of models*: More than 800
• Cumulative total units sold*: More than 554 million!
• If you lined up all the Tomica cars sold since the brand was launched, bumper to bumper, they would reach all the way around the Earth!
*Figures correct as of March 2011
Just how popular is Tomica?
Measuring Tomica's popularity
• 92.6% of boys in Japan two to seven years of age recognize the Tomica brand.
• Recognition among parents is almost universal at 99.7%.
• Brand recognition and ownership rates are particularly high among children aged 3 and over.
*From a nationwide survey of 2,000 boys aged 2-7, commissioned by Tomica and conducted by market research firm Macromill in November 2010.
Tomica Expo
What is Tomica Expo? This Expo is a major event where children and their parents can enjoy Tomica products together. Visitor numbers are growing from year to year and attendance has been approximately 590,000 people in 2011.
Tomica Shop: A specialty store for Tomica products
Tomica Shop Locations
• Tomica Shop Tokyo
• Tomica Shop Tokyo Sky Tree Town Solamachi
• Tomica Shop Kichijoji
• Tomica Shop Nagoya
• Tomica Shop Osaka
• Tomica Shop Fukuoka
Beyond just toys, Tomica Shops have a wide variety of Tomica-branded household goods, candy, apparel, and other merchandise. Currently operating in six locations throughout Japan,Tomica Shops are designed to be enjoyed by both children and parents.
TOMICA'S HISTORY
1970 - Tomica launched (Tomica World products also released)
1972 - 60 models in lineup; Tomica Dandy released
1974 - 100 models in lineup
1976 - Foreign Vehicle Series and Long Tomica released; 100 millionth Tomica product manufactured
1977 - Onset of the “super car” boom; super cars added to Foreign Vehicle Series in quick succession
1984 - New product packaging introduced, still in use today; 300 millionth product manufactured
1988 - Product lineup expanded to 120 models
1993 - B/O Tomica, battery-powered series released
1995 - Tomica licensing business launched
1999 - Radio-controlled R/C Tomica series released
2000 - 30th Anniversary Pure Gold Tomica released with a price tag of 1 million yen; Monthly Tomica releases initiated with the slogan “The third Saturday of the month is Tomica Day”; First Tomica Expo held
2001 - Tomica Limited series launched; First appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show
2005 - Tomica's 35th anniversary; Tomica Shop, the first direct retail outlet, opened in Tokyo Station complex
2006 - Tomica Hyper Series released
2008 - Tomica Long Type released
2010 - Tomica's 40th anniversary; product lineup expanded to 140 models with release of Tomica No.140; Tecology Tomica series launched
2011 - 10th anniversary of Tomica Limited series; Tomica Shop network expanded to five locations
The Power of Tomica
Helping little kids to Grow Up Big
PRODUCTS
Tomica Diecast Cars
Among Japan's most well-known toys, these die-cast cars have captivated three generations of children. There are currently 140 models in the lineup, which is continually being renewed with the release of a new model on the third Saturday of each month.
Other product lines include Tomica Limited, based on regular Tomica models but with more advanced detailing, and Tecology Tomica, which have lights powered not from batteries but by a miniature electrical generator powered when the vehicle is moved by hand. Children and adults alike enjoy the diverse range of Tomica diecast cars.
Tomica World
Expressways, buildings, large vehicles . . . let your imagination run free in the diverse miniature world of Tomica.
With plenty of lights, sounds, actions, and other effects, playing with Tomica cars is more fun than ever! Here children can experience a quality of touch and movement that can never be replicated in video games.
Tomica Town
Children can construct their very own original townscape using the same kinds of buildings and roads as they see every day in real life. As well as extending their imagination and creativity, they learn naturally about traffic rules, social conventions, and other aspects of the world around them
Tomica Hyper Series
Larger vehicles are the stars of this series which is made up of three teams: Tomica Hyper Rescue, Tomica Hyper Blue Police, and Tomica Hyper Builder.
New stories unfold around these three teams as they work for safety, order, and progress in Tomica Town.
Tomica Preschool
Learn as you play! For ages two and above, this series uses familiar Tomica imagery in activities to help children learn naturally while having fun.
Tomica Licensed Goods
Make Tomica a part of your life. Tomica has enduring appeal to both children and adults across multiple generations. Now the Tomica brand extends beyond toys to include merchandise for a range of everyday uses. Keep the childhood dreams alive by bringing Tomica goods into your home today.
WHAT'S TOMICA?
Tomica. Little vehicles carrying big dreams.
"The Mission: Japanese Diecast Mini-cars for Japanese Children."
The Tomica story starts back in 1970, when model cars mainly referred to imported 1/64 scale models of foreign cars or larger 1/43 scale models of Japanese cars for collectors. It was then that Tomica's founders embarked on their mission to give the children of Japan small diecast cars based on the vehicles produced by Japan's own automobile makers. Tomica products were refreshingly different: modeled on made-in-Japan vehicles, they came in sizes that fit easily in the palm of a child's hand. Diecast bodies gave them an authentic feel, and they were painted using the same baked enamel finish used on real automobiles. With these features, plus extras such as precision suspension and ultra-smooth performance, all at a very reasonable price, Tomica's popularity grew rapidly. Today, around four in every five Japanese children under the age of eight own at least one Tomica product. Times have changed since the birth of Tomica, but the childhood love of vehicles has endured, and Tomica has grown into a long-selling brand enjoyed by children and parents across three generations. These days, there are 140 models in the Tomica diecast lineup at any one time. The lineup is continually being refreshed with the release of a new model on the third Saturday of each month.
Tomica by the Numbers
How many models have been sold since Tomica was launched?
• Number of models*: More than 800
• Cumulative total units sold*: More than 554 million!
• If you lined up all the Tomica cars sold since the brand was launched, bumper to bumper, they would reach all the way around the Earth!
*Figures correct as of March 2011
Just how popular is Tomica?
Measuring Tomica's popularity
• 92.6% of boys in Japan two to seven years of age recognize the Tomica brand.
• Recognition among parents is almost universal at 99.7%.
• Brand recognition and ownership rates are particularly high among children aged 3 and over.
*From a nationwide survey of 2,000 boys aged 2-7, commissioned by Tomica and conducted by market research firm Macromill in November 2010.
Tomica Expo
What is Tomica Expo? This Expo is a major event where children and their parents can enjoy Tomica products together. Visitor numbers are growing from year to year and attendance has been approximately 590,000 people in 2011.
Tomica Shop: A specialty store for Tomica products
Tomica Shop Locations
• Tomica Shop Tokyo
• Tomica Shop Tokyo Sky Tree Town Solamachi
• Tomica Shop Kichijoji
• Tomica Shop Nagoya
• Tomica Shop Osaka
• Tomica Shop Fukuoka
Beyond just toys, Tomica Shops have a wide variety of Tomica-branded household goods, candy, apparel, and other merchandise. Currently operating in six locations throughout Japan,Tomica Shops are designed to be enjoyed by both children and parents.
TOMICA'S HISTORY
1970 - Tomica launched (Tomica World products also released)
1972 - 60 models in lineup; Tomica Dandy released
1974 - 100 models in lineup
1976 - Foreign Vehicle Series and Long Tomica released; 100 millionth Tomica product manufactured
1977 - Onset of the “super car” boom; super cars added to Foreign Vehicle Series in quick succession
1984 - New product packaging introduced, still in use today; 300 millionth product manufactured
1988 - Product lineup expanded to 120 models
1993 - B/O Tomica, battery-powered series released
1995 - Tomica licensing business launched
1999 - Radio-controlled R/C Tomica series released
2000 - 30th Anniversary Pure Gold Tomica released with a price tag of 1 million yen; Monthly Tomica releases initiated with the slogan “The third Saturday of the month is Tomica Day”; First Tomica Expo held
2001 - Tomica Limited series launched; First appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show
2005 - Tomica's 35th anniversary; Tomica Shop, the first direct retail outlet, opened in Tokyo Station complex
2006 - Tomica Hyper Series released
2008 - Tomica Long Type released
2010 - Tomica's 40th anniversary; product lineup expanded to 140 models with release of Tomica No.140; Tecology Tomica series launched
2011 - 10th anniversary of Tomica Limited series; Tomica Shop network expanded to five locations
The Power of Tomica
Helping little kids to Grow Up Big
PRODUCTS
Tomica Diecast Cars
Among Japan's most well-known toys, these die-cast cars have captivated three generations of children. There are currently 140 models in the lineup, which is continually being renewed with the release of a new model on the third Saturday of each month.
Other product lines include Tomica Limited, based on regular Tomica models but with more advanced detailing, and Tecology Tomica, which have lights powered not from batteries but by a miniature electrical generator powered when the vehicle is moved by hand. Children and adults alike enjoy the diverse range of Tomica diecast cars.
Tomica World
Expressways, buildings, large vehicles . . . let your imagination run free in the diverse miniature world of Tomica.
With plenty of lights, sounds, actions, and other effects, playing with Tomica cars is more fun than ever! Here children can experience a quality of touch and movement that can never be replicated in video games.
Tomica Town
Children can construct their very own original townscape using the same kinds of buildings and roads as they see every day in real life. As well as extending their imagination and creativity, they learn naturally about traffic rules, social conventions, and other aspects of the world around them
Tomica Hyper Series
Larger vehicles are the stars of this series which is made up of three teams: Tomica Hyper Rescue, Tomica Hyper Blue Police, and Tomica Hyper Builder.
New stories unfold around these three teams as they work for safety, order, and progress in Tomica Town.
Tomica Preschool
Learn as you play! For ages two and above, this series uses familiar Tomica imagery in activities to help children learn naturally while having fun.
Tomica Licensed Goods
Make Tomica a part of your life. Tomica has enduring appeal to both children and adults across multiple generations. Now the Tomica brand extends beyond toys to include merchandise for a range of everyday uses. Keep the childhood dreams alive by bringing Tomica goods into your home today.